International Student Life in HCMC: Friends & Community Guide

Studying abroad is thrilling, but for many international students in Ho Chi Minh City, the first weeks can feel isolating. Without friends or familiar faces, even simple things like finding dinner or exploring the city may seem daunting.

That’s why building friends & community is not just helpful—it’s essential. The connections you create will bring comfort, guidance, and joy, making daily life smoother and far less overwhelming.

This guide highlights where to find supportive networks, how to connect with other students and locals, and the best ways to overcome those first hurdles. With the right friendships and communities, HCMC won’t just be a study destination—it will quickly become a place where you feel safe, supported, and truly at home.

Making Connections: Why Community Matters for Students Abroad

Arriving in HCMC is exciting, but international students quickly realize that thriving here goes beyond classes. Building Friends & Community transforms daily life and enriches your student journey:

• Emotional support to navigate homesickness, culture shock, and the challenges of living abroad
• Practical guidance for finding housing, understanding transportation, and managing everyday student life
• Cultural immersion through shared experiences, local festivals, and learning traditions firsthand
• A sense of belonging that turns acquaintances into friends and makes HCMC feel like a home away from home

Strong friendships and active community connections don’t just make life easier—they make your time in HCMC vibrant, rewarding, and truly memorable.

Read more: International Student Life in HCMC: Culture, Safety & Daily Life

Where to Find Friends & Community in HCMC for International Students

Making friends in a new city can feel overwhelming, but Ho Chi Minh City is full of opportunities for international students to connect. Building your friends and community here doesn’t have to be intimidating—whether through campus activities, social networks, or shared interests, there are plenty of ways to meet people. Here are some trusted pathways:

1. University Clubs and Societies

Most universities in Ho Chi Minh City offer student clubs that warmly welcome international students. From debate teams to music, art, or sports groups, joining a club is a great way to make friends, practice language skills, and immerse yourself in campus life. Clubs not only connect you with other international students but also open doors to local friendships, creating your first meaningful friends & community in HCMC.

2. Facebook & Online Groups

Online communities are a powerful way for international students to build a support network in HCMC. Popular groups like Expat Saigon – Expats Ho Chi Minh City or Foreigners in Saigon (HCM City) let you ask questions, discover events, and meet people nearby. Many meaningful friendships start online before turning into real-life connections, helping you feel more confident and supported in your new city.

3. Co-working Spaces & Cafés

Co-working spaces and cafés like The Hive, Toong, and CirCO aren’t just for professionals—they also welcome international students and young creatives. These spots host workshops, networking nights, and social meetups, making them ideal for forming connections, meeting like-minded peers, and experiencing HCMC’s vibrant social scene firsthand.

4. Hobby and Volunteer Groups

Shared passions are a natural way to form lasting friendships in HCMC. Whether it’s yoga, hiking, football, or volunteering, the city is full of clubs and charity networks where international students can join in. Participating not only lets you contribute to the community but also helps you build an authentic social circle and meaningful connections that make life abroad more fulfilling.

5. Student Housing and Shared Apartments

For many international students, community begins at home. Choosing shared apartments or student residences lets you meet peers from diverse backgrounds, share daily experiences, and support each other. Living with others is a great way to form a close-knit social circle, exchange cultures, and turn your student housing into a lively hub of friendships and shared memories.

Read more: How to Find Affordable Student Apartments in Ho Chi Minh City

How to Make Friends as an International Student in HCMC

Life as an international student in HCMC is filled with new faces, cultures, and experiences waiting to be discovered. Every café visit, campus activity, or weekend outing offers a chance to meet locals and fellow expats. Approaching these opportunities with curiosity and openness allows you to gradually form a vibrant support network and meaningful friendships, turning the city into more than just a study destination. Try these practical tips:

• Be proactive: Attend campus orientations, welcome events, or student mixers and introduce yourself confidently.
• Stay curious: Ask about Vietnamese culture, food, and traditions—it sparks genuine conversations.

• Balance friendships: Spend time with both local students and fellow expats for a richer experience.
• Leverage apps: Use InterNations, Meetup, or Bumble BFF to meet like-minded people.
• Show up consistently: Attend recurring events, weekly clubs, or regular meetups—friendships grow with time and presence.

Read more: Essential Apps & Resources for International Students in Vietnam

Student Hangout Places in Ho Chi Minh City

HCMC offers plenty of student-friendly spots that also serve as cultural gateways. Popular choices include:

• Book cafés in District 3 and Phu Nhuan for study sessions, casual meetups, and coffee chats.
• Nguyen Hue Walking Street for weekend strolls, street performances, and public events.
• Thao Dien in District 2, where expats gather in restaurants, art spaces, and community markets.
• Youth Cultural House (Nha Van Hoa Thanh Nien) hosts concerts, exhibitions, and interactive events.
• Sports clubs and gyms offering group classes, from dance to martial arts.

These spots are more than just places to hang out—they provide ideal settings to expand your social circle, forge meaningful connections, and grow your friends & community while experiencing HCMC’s vibrant culture.

Overcoming Common Pain Points

Life as an international student in HCMC is colorful, but challenges are part of the experience. Here’s how to navigate common obstacles:

• Loneliness: Participate in at least one community activity per week to stay engaged and meet new people.
• Language barrier: Use even basic Vietnamese phrases—they help you connect and show respect.
• Cultural differences: Misunderstandings are natural; approach them with curiosity and an open mind.
• Budget limits: Public parks, free cultural events, and affordable cafés make socializing easy and fun.

Facing these challenges with the support of your social circle & network turns potential frustrations into opportunities for personal growth, lasting connections, and a richer student experience in HCMC.

Tips for Building Lasting Connections

Building lasting connections as an international student in HCMC starts with giving as much as you receive—offering support when friends face challenges creates trust and mutual respect.

Celebrate together by joining local holidays like Tet or the Mid-Autumn Festival, sharing experiences that deepen understanding and enjoyment of Vietnamese culture. Create small traditions such as weekly dinners, study groups, or weekend outings to strengthen bonds over time. Always stay inclusive by reaching out to newcomers, remembering how it felt when you first arrived.

Lasting friends & community are built through these consistent acts of kindness, presence, and shared experiences, turning casual acquaintances into meaningful relationships that make life abroad richer and more fulfilling.

Conclusion: Thriving with Friends & Community in HCMC

Your international student journey in HCMC isn’t just about academics—it’s about cultivating meaningful friends & community that support, inspire, and help you thrive. Opportunities to connect are everywhere: through university clubs, cafés, hobby groups, and even shared housing.

By stepping out of your comfort zone, embracing new cultures, and nurturing real relationships, you transform the city from a place you study into a place you truly belong. Start today: explore new spaces, join activities, attend local gatherings, and build friendships that make HCMC your second home

For safe, student-friendly housing that helps you connect, socialize, and grow your community, JHouse is here to support your journey.

JHouse Content Team

The in-depth content development team on housing services for foreigners & Vietnamese in Vietnam. The content is simple, easy to understand, and logically arranged to bring readers useful topics and information from real experiences.